Member's Press Release

President Cole

Senate President Bill Cole Urges West Virginians to Be Prepared in Advance of Winter Storm Thor

CHARLESTON – In advance of severe weather threatening most of West Virginia, Senate President Bill Cole and the West Virginia Senate urge residents to be safe and make preparations for Winter Storm Thor, which is set to hit West Virginia late Wednesday.

Heavy rains on top of melting snow and ice could bring devastating effects for places that have already been weakened by the Feb. 16 winter storm. Throughout the state, counties have reported widespread flooding, mud and rock slides, and power outages. The possibility of additional snow and ice this evening could magnify these effects.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin declared a State of Emergency Wednesday night. The declaration allows the state to mobilize state personnel and resources, including the West Virginia National Guard, to assist residents in the storm’s aftermath.

“We commend the Governor for declaring a State of Emergency ahead of this serious situation,” Senate President Bill Cole said. “The Senate stands fully behind Governor Tomblin and the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and we are ready to work with all agencies to help those people who need us in coming days.”

Senate President Cole urges residents who need help to first contact their local sheriff’s department or their county’s Office of Emergency Management, or contact their Senator by calling 304-357-7800. Also, the State of West Virginia has created a Facebook page to post updates on weather predictions, road conditions, flooding updates, school closings, and other information. The page can be found here. Contact information for each county’s emergency management office can be found : here.